Cutting icore keys on standard key machine

[WOT]

I bought a manual ilco key machine with the standard vise grips. I'd like to make keys to match what I've combinated myself. I have access to code machine cut depth keys.

How do I go about cutting tip stopped, hard to grip, Best keys on a standard key duplicator?

[zeke79]

The grip problems can usually be solved by using a different side of the vice if you have a 4 way vice or if all else fails use a brass shim. For tip stops, use the key gauge on your duplicator to align by tip.

[Raccoon]

My ilco code cutter has a tip stop guide. It's a small plug that I can push forward to align the tip, then pull back before I cut. Some duplicator vices may have this too. Look for a square hole in the vice if no plug is apparent, this is where said plug is inserted.

[I Pik U]

Using straight pieces from a paper clip (different diametres depending on blank), slid into the blank's grooves may help to hold them tight in the vise.

[keysman]

The answers above are good .. most IC locks REQUIRE a correctly cut key.. which is difficult at best ( pun intended ) to do with space and depth keys.
If you can cut them by code on a code machine you will have much better /consistent results.

[grit1]

I've had very good results cutting by code with depth/spacing keys, except across certain keyways. My depth/space keys are in A keyway, and the way my machine is set up [it's an HPC premiere speedex] I can't make H and F keys line up without cinching them way up to the bow and clamping, which yields mixed results...I need a code cutter

[zeke79]

I've had very good results cutting by code with depth/spacing keys, except across certain keyways. My depth/space keys are in A keyway, and the way my machine is set up [it's an HPC premiere speedex] I can't make H and F keys line up without cinching them way up to the bow and clamping, which yields mixed results...I need a code cutter

Are you able to gauge by tips with the speedex to solve that problem?

[WOT]

Ok, so my machine is a ilco Unican 025 and from searching here, I learned it has been replaced by a newer model 045 and someone suggested reading the 045 manual.

The vice jaw isn't the same as the 045.


Mine has:
Wide, Standard, A and W

The 045 has:
Standard, Narrow, Wide and X.

The 045 manual makes a reference to aligning the key by notch for Best/Falcon type tip stopped keys, but it doesn't say anything about special caution for mounting them into the vice grip.

[blackfoot]

cutting best keys is an art form i think i learned how to do them on a foley machine somewhat consistantly using space and depth keys.buy a cheap box of a best A blanks and practice cutting them your gonna waste a few learning how to do it.and there is a differance in key blanks best blanks are the best to use but the hardest to get. practice with ilco brand there cheap and a little thinner.setting up the stop is half the battle keeping the key in the jaws is another battle use extreme caution on cuts with 8 and 9 in them thats when you will learn about tweaking the blank.the cutter catches the blank and bends it in the jaws.

[WOT]

cutting best keys is an art form i think i learned how to do them on a foley machine somewhat consistantly using space and depth keys.buy a cheap box of a best A blanks and practice cutting them your gonna waste a few learning how to do it.and there is a differance in key blanks best blanks are the best to use but the hardest to get. practice with ilco brand there cheap and a little thinner.setting up the stop is half the battle keeping the key in the jaws is another battle use extreme caution on cuts with 8 and 9 in them thats when you will learn about tweaking the blank.the cutter catches the blank and bends it in the jaws.

It's one thing to have to online precisely align the keys twice (master and blank), but it gets extremely time consuming considering it requires up to eight alignments (blank + depth keys to originate from).

I've had burring on cut keys, but once I got my cutter sharpened, it cuts very well and not once have I had the key machine grab and bend the blank.

[blackfoot]

it only seems to be the ag sub blank and the grand master blanks that give me a real hard time.

[lostlink]

I've been doing locksmithing at work for about 3 years, however locksmithing takes up about 8% of my job duties, and out of that 8% I deal with Best SFIC and keys about 95% of the time.

If you want to produce an original best type key you might try to pick up a well cared for used key punch. I have seen punch machines well over 40 years old that could make an original new key quicker than any standard key cuter. Ofcourse that also depends on the punch operator..

I have never had the pleasure to use a code cut machine. I currenty use a Rytan/Best punch that is about 4 years old..........

[blackfoot]

would a pakapunch work at all on icore keys.

[WOT]

I've been doing locksmithing at work for about 3 years, however locksmithing takes up about 8% of my job duties, and out of that 8% I deal with Best SFIC and keys about 95% of the time.

If you want to produce an original best type key you might try to pick up a well cared for used key punch. I have seen punch machines well over 40 years old that could make an original new key quicker than any standard key cuter. Ofcourse that also depends on the punch operator..

I have never had the pleasure to use a code cut machine. I currenty use a Rytan/Best punch that is about 4 years old..........

That *IS* a code machine, albeit application specific. Yes, Pak A Punch does have Icore option.

I know there are third party icore stationary punches as well, but some are not very intuitive and cut from bow-to-tip while BEST icore system is cut from tip to bow.

[zeke79]

WOT,

Look at the Rytan punches. I know hawley lock is showing a special for them right now for around 995 for 2 punches. That is one complete punch with a conversion kit for another manufacturer. A single unit is running in the 650 range. A nice buy for a dedicated punch.